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Chapter 1

Overview

Part-time jobs serve as an excellent means of financial input, particularly for students who are dealt with expensive college fees and living expenses. These jobs also serve as a wonderful opportunity to interact with other students and people, which leads to plenty of exposure to various cultures (you meet people from all over the world), the development of key service skills in your resume, and a sense of experiencing student culture. 

As an international student, you will be issued with a Canadian VISA, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during your semester. For on-campus jobs, there isn’t any technical limit to the number of hours you can feasibly work for.   

Let us look at the distinctions between working part-time on-campus and off-campus:

  • You are allowed to work part-time on-campus if your study permit allows you to do so. You are generally required to be studying full-time for on-campus jobs. If you do not hold a study permit, you are eligible to work on-campus if you hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and have enrolled in a program that is at least 6 months long. 
  • You are allowed to work part-time off-campus if you are studying at a designated learning institution or DLI. Most universities are part of the list of DLIs. You also need to be enrolled in a program that is at least 6 months long. You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week for off-campus jobs.  

Due to the size and nature of most campuses of Canadian Universities, there are plenty of fast-food chains, cafes, printing shops, libraries, and receptions to work in (on-campus). You may also be a research assistant or a teaching assistant, which depends on the department you are studying in and of course, your skills and knowledge as an assistant.

Let us now look deeper into the best part-time jobs in Canada for International Students. 

Chapter 2

Part-time jobs in Canada for International Students :

ON CAMPUS JOBS

Research Study Assistant:

 This depends on the department you are studying in, and the kinds of research they are conducting. Research isn’t limited to the Sciences alone, and are a crucial part of business and humanities streams as well. You will need to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for research to thrive in this job. You will be involved in the collection of data, researching articles and information in relevant research journals, and will learn a great deal from your professors about the field you are working in. In scientific research, you might also assist in laboratory procedures. This job is one of the most well-paid on-campus jobs, and is perfect for someone who is deeply interested in the subject.  

Average hourly wages: 20 CAD/hour.

Teaching Assistant:

 Although this job isn’t the most openly available one, if you demonstrate skill and knowledge in academia, your professor may allow you to work as a teaching assistant. You will oversee certain class activities, aid students who are struggling, and assist the professor in what they require. You might also be involved in helping to develop programmes and school events.  This is ideal for someone who wants to pursue a career as a lecturer or professor in the future. 

Average hourly wages – 16 CAD/hour.

University Campus Tour Guide/Ambassador:

 You will need to possess excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and be well-informed about the university. This job involves providing all the relevant information about the university and its programs, promoting the university, and providing reasons as to why students should apply to the university. You will also be asked to guide parents and students on tours of the campus, and share intriguing facts about the university. This is a good job for those who are slightly more experienced and have studied in the university for at least a year.

Average hourly wages: 14 CAD/hour.

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Computer Lab Technician:

 This is mostly limited to computer science majors who are inclined towards tech. It involves support and maintenance for tech support for classrooms, labs, and libraries. You will also be required to solve computer-related issues, troubleshoot errors, create student accounts and even operate printers. This is enormously beneficial for those students who are skilled in hardware and software operations. 

Average hourly wages: 18 CAD/hour.

Production Assistant :

A lot of universities have tons of extra-curricular activities, intra and inter college fests, and events involving theatre, comedy shows, seminars, concerts, and performances. As a production assistant, you will be involved with the technical and backstage work. This is a great option for meeting new people, and experiencing the best of student culture. 

Average hourly wages: 14 CAD/hour.

Babysitter:

Although most people prefer babysitters from their local neighbourhoods or babysitting agencies, professors, staff, and school employees on-campus are always on the lookout for babysitters who can take care of their child while they work. This job requires you to handle the child with the utmost level of care. Your student employment office will have various openings for you to get to work, so definitely look into that. Also, this role is definitely not applicable to those who haven’t handled kids before.  

Average hourly wages: 14 CAD/hour. 

University Store Associate:

 Many universities sell their branded backpacks, hoodies, and stationery. A lot of universities also have their own bookstores, with various academic texts, fiction and non-fiction books, and stationery items. As an associate, you will be required to help students find the books or items they are looking for, act as a cashier, and help in the management and maintenance of the store. You might also get some discounts on books and stationery, plus knowing where all the academic books are puts you in an advantageous position if you need to learn about a particular subject. Of course, there is always the university library as well. 

Average hourly wages: vary widely among different universities but generally 25 CAD/hour. 

OFF CAMPUS JOBS

Customer Support/Service Representative

 As a CSR, you will be involved in providing support and information about the services and products offered by your company, solve and resolve issues and complaints given by the customers about these services and products, and try to upsell products if needed. This job role is a good opportunity for those with excellent communication skills, and also provides the opportunity to work from home/your campus room.

Average hourly wages: 15 CAD/hour. 

Store Associate :

Similar to the university store assistant role, this job may involve helping customers find the right items, provide them with information about the products, and even acting as a cashier in a local grocery store or supermarket that is near your campus. This work may also involve cleaning the store and upselling to customers. It is usually on a shift basis, and you will need to report to the store manager for your tasks. 

Average hourly wages – 15 CAD/hour.

Catering Assistants :

If your university has cafes and on-site restaurants, then you can work as a catering assistant there. This involves working as either a server or a waiter in these places, maintain sanitation and food safety, and setting up tables. This is a job in the hospitality sector, and it provides you with an opportunity to meet new people. Apart from this, you can choose the shifts or hours to work in. this flexibility is ideal for international students studying in Canada.

Average hourly wages: 14 CAD/hour.

Barista :

Similar to the above job, this is another job in the hospitality sector, which gives you the chance to experience student culture and meet new people. Most college students practically live on caffeine, and spend long hours working or socializing in cafes. This job involves making drinks at the café for them, while also working as a cashier. Additional benefits include discounted or free coffee! 

Average hourly wages: 11 CAD/hour. 

Other jobs include: 

  • Dog Walkers 14 CAD/hour
  • Cooks14 CAD/hour. 
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Cost of Living in Canada

Type 

Average Monthly Cost (INR)

Utilities (Water, Electricity etc.)

19k

Transport 

6k

Internet and Telephone 

4k

Food and Drinks

25k

Rental Expenses

40k

Recreation 

10k

Total 

1.4L 

The minimum wage in Canada is around 1k per hour. If you work part-time, you can definitely cover your cost of living. If you’re worried about your Cost of Living, go for shared spaces and don’t worry, for you will be able to pay everything back after your degree. Quality of living and life is high in Canada, and there’s a lot to explore and do. Once you get a job after your degree, you will be able to live more than comfortably. 

Conclusion :

So, there we have it. These are some of the best part-time job options that are available to international students studying in Canada. Working in a part-time job will help cover your expenses, provide you with work experience, build new skills, and experience new cultures all the time. 

All the very best for your endeavours. If you wish to know more about Canadian Express Entry, visit this link! For a complete guide to MBA in Canada, head on to this page.  

Cheers and Best Wishes, 

Galvanize. 

saahil

One Comment

  • Emma says:

    Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Canada is a popular destination for international students looking to study and work abroad. Fortunately, there are plenty of job opportunities for international students in Canada. One of the most popular options is to work on campus, which does not require a work permit and allows for flexible schedules that can accommodate academic commitments.

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